Northern states dominate Nigeria’s male illiteracy index — NDHS 2024

By Grace Edet

Northern states have dominated Nigeria’s male illiteracy chart, according to the 2024 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS). The survey showed that a majority of men without formal education are concentrated in the Northwest and Northeast zones.
The report as shared on Statisense official X handle, revealed that Sokoto (66.8%), Kebbi (64.4%), and Yobe (61.9%) recorded the highest percentages of men with no formal education, followed closely by Jigawa (52.6%), Zamfara (51.2%) and Borno (48.1%).
The findings, experts say, underscore persistent educational inequalities across the country and highlight the developmental challenges facing the northern region.
Other states in the top 10 include Bauchi (47.7%), Niger (47.2%), and Gombe (46.5%), while Taraba (21.6%), Nasarawa (25.5%), and Adamawa (24.8%) ranked lower but still reflect significant learning deficits.
According to the NDHS, the data represents men aged 15 years and above who have never attended any formal school. The report attributes the disparities largely to longstanding socioeconomic barriers, insecurity, and cultural practices that have slowed educational progress in many northern communities.
“The data exposes the enduring inequality in Nigeria’s educational landscape. Without targeted literacy programs and sustained investment in school infrastructure, the divide between regions will continue to widen,” an Education Analyst, Ojuolape James stated.
Experts say the high rate of male illiteracy has far-reaching implications for economic productivity, civic participation, and national development, as it limits opportunities for employment, innovation, and community advancement.
They also emphasise that male education is critical to boosting family income levels, driving rural enterprise, and strengthening Nigeria’s overall human capital base.
Education stakeholders are urging federal and state governments to scale up adult literacy and non-formal education programmes, particularly in rural and conflict-affected areas, to bridge the widening learning gap.
Analysts further advise that state-level budgetary commitments to basic education should be closely monitored to ensure resources are directed towards teacher training, infrastructure upgrades, and community sensitisation campaigns.

Illiteracy Hotspots Across Nigeria

Below is the percentage of men with no formal education, according to NDHS 2024

Table compilation: Thetrustnews.com

Bridging the Learning Divide

The NDHS findings have renewed calls for inclusive education reforms that address regional disparities and strengthen access to learning for all age groups.
Stakeholders argue that achieving a balanced literacy rate across Nigeria is vital for sustainable growth and national cohesion. They note that while government efforts toward universal basic education are ongoing, effective implementation and local engagement remain critical to success.
As the report warns, without urgent and coordinated interventions, the gap between Nigeria’s educated and uneducated male populations could continue to expand—further entrenching inequality and limiting the nation’s development potential.